Sunday, April 28, 2024

Anglo American rejects £31bn mega-deal with rival

The firm says BHP's bid to create one of the world's biggest mining groups is "highly unattractive".

TikTok will not be sold, Chinese parent tells US

The video sharing app faces being banned in the US unless it severs ties with its China's ByteDance.

Saturday, April 27, 2024

'Buying a first home is harder when you're single'

A report says two high incomes are increasingly needed to afford a mortgage, leaving millions stuck.

Friday, April 26, 2024

Dead whistleblower accused Boeing of safety breaches

John Barnett had been giving a formal legal deposition against the plane manufacturer before his sudden death.

Will Labour’s plan make train tickets cheaper?

What impact will Labour's pledge to nationalise the railways have?

Thursday, April 25, 2024

How Chinese firms are using Mexico as a backdoor to the US

Chinese firms are racing to set up factories in Mexico to bypass US tariffs and sanctions.

Can AI help solve Japan’s labour shortages?

Japan is seeing if artificial intelligence can tackle its increasing shortfall of workers.

Phoenix Energy sold to Hong Kong billionaire

Phoenix owns and operates the largest natural gas distribution network in Northern Ireland.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024

How fraudsters are getting fake articles onto Facebook

Scammers are able to get past automated checks on the social media giant to try to defraud users.

US TikTok ban would be 'devastating', UK firms warn

UK businesses using TikTok say they could see a significant drop in sales if the app is banned in the US.

Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Spotify turns up volume to make record profits

The music streaming service reports record profits of over €1bn (£860m) after laying off 1500 staff.

Air traffic meltdown boss defends staff working from home

Air traffic control boss says last summer's outage would have been worse if staff had not worked remotely.

Post Office boss obsessed with pay says ex-HR chief

Nick Read repeatedly made threats to resign over the issue, former Post Office HR chief claims.

Monday, April 22, 2024

China bubble tea chain plunges in Hong Kong debut

Chabaidao's market debut was the Asian financial hub's largest initial public offering so far this year.

Australia PM calls Elon Musk an 'arrogant billionaire'

Anthony Albanese's comments come amid a feud over X's reluctance to remove footage of a stabbing.

US watchdog sues to block $8.5bn handbag takeover

The US competition watchdog has taken legal action to stop Tapestry's merger with rival Capri.

Smart motorways: How safe are they?

BBC Panorama finds the technology behind England’s smart motorways stops working on a regular basis.

Sunday, April 21, 2024

Can AI help solve Japan’s labour shortages?

Japan is seeing if artificial intelligence can tackle its increasing shortfall of workers.

Post Office lawyer 'missed' key Horizon finding

A top lawyer says he and others missed a finding in 2014 that the software could be accessed remotely.

Shoppers shun department stores as prices rise

Higher prices put off shoppers as sales volumes overall stagnate in March.

Friday, April 19, 2024

Why a deluge of Chinese-made drugs is hard to curb

Thousands of Chinese companies are making synthetic opioids and shipping them around the world.

Thursday, April 18, 2024

'AI helps me to make wine for younger drinkers'

The winemakers using artificial intelligence to help them grow grapes and blend their wines.

Dubai airport chaos as Gulf hit by deadly storms

Hundreds of flights were cancelled on Wednesday at the major hub, which connects to every continent.

Wednesday, April 17, 2024

The West says China makes too much. Its workers disagree

Migrants are caught in China's manufacturing battles with the West, as Beijing tries to save its economy.

Workers take on car giant Volkswagen in fight for pay

VW workers in the south vote on whether to join a union - a test of how far worker activism has spread.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024

How AI is helping to prevent future power cuts

Artificial intelligence software is being used to predict electricity demand and supply.

Potential new orders for struggling train firm

The train firm says it is in "intense" talks with the government and Transport for London.

Birmingham Airport flights disrupted by incident

West Midlands Police says the airport has now reopened as there is no wider risk to the public.

Monday, April 15, 2024

China economy grows faster than expected

Official figures also highlighted the challenges faced by the country's crisis-hit property sector.

The challenge of upgrading iconic steel windows

Critall windows date back to the 1880s but their steel construction makes them vulnerable to damp.

Tata to cut redundancy package if workers strike

Tata says its "most favourable financial package" will not be paid if workers go on strike.

M25 set for second full weekend closure

The M25 will be shut between junctions nine and 10 from 21:00 BST on 10 May until 06:00 on 13 May.

Flights cancelled after Iran's strike on Israel

EasyJet has suspended planes travelling to Tel Aviv until 21 April following Tehran's attack.

Sunday, April 14, 2024

Oil prices lower after Iran attack on Israel

Prices had already risen in expectation of action, with Brent crude near a six-month high last week.

Universal Credit 'must change' to tackle sickness

Britain faces new challenges from an older and sicker population, according to a new report.

Business inspired by tragedy makes Forbes list

Olivia Jenkins named her jewellery brand after her mother who died of cancer in 2017.

Baldur's Gate 3 wins big at Bafta Games Awards

Super Mario Bros Wonder won two, while Star Wars Jedi: Survivor missed out despite six nominations.

Saturday, April 13, 2024

Bates looking at Post Office private prosecutions

Alan Bates, who has led a campaign for justice for decades, says he wants people to be held to account.

Friday, April 12, 2024

Why did all the Little Chefs disappear?

At its height, Little Chef had 439 restaurants across the UK but just two decades later they were all gone.

Thursday, April 11, 2024

Greece offers hotel vouchers to wildfire evacuees

Holidaymakers who had to be evacuated from Rhodes last year can get money off for hotel stays.

Even in peaceful countries be ready for a siren blast

All sorts of organisations have sirens ready for industrial accidents and other emergencies.

Wednesday, April 10, 2024

Boss denies defrauding blind workers' pensions

Nicholas Marks, 56, from Beaconsfield, is accused of fraud by not paying workers' wages and pensions.

Over 7 million struggling with bills, survey finds

Many feel “heavily burdened” by their finances but the picture has improved from 2023, a survey finds.

Tuesday, April 9, 2024

How much is the cost of a UK passport going up?

A standard online application for an adult will rise from £82.50 to £88.50 from 11 April.

HSBC agrees to sell off its Argentina business

The banking giant is set to take a billion-dollar loss by exiting Argentina after nearly 30 years.

Monday, April 8, 2024

Train strikes: How will you be affected on Monday?

Rail workers at 16 companies are taking industrial action but tube strikes have been called off.

Sunday, April 7, 2024

Nail technicians join forces to raise prices

Nail technicians unite to raise their charges in what they call "National Nail Price Increase Day”.

US jobs boom raises doubts about rate cuts

Employers added more than 300,000 jobs in March - the biggest gain in almost a year.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

Train strikes: How will you be affected?

Rail workers at 16 companies are taking industrial action but tube strikes have been called off.

Friday, April 5, 2024

Behind the McDonald's boycott controversy

McDonald's will buy back all of its Israeli sites after sales slumped following a boycott of the brand.

UK house prices fall for first time in six months

Prices fell in March with higher mortgage rates affecting affordability, the Halifax says

McDonald's to buy back Israeli stores after boycott

The deal follows protests against the firm after franchisee Alonyal gave free food to Israeli soldiers.

Thursday, April 4, 2024

McDonald's to buy back all its Israeli restaurants

The deal follows a boycott of the business after franchisee Alonyal gave free food to Israeli soldiers.

Boeing pays Alaska Air more than $160m after blowout

The sum to the airline for losses since January reflects the ongoing fallout to Boeing from the crisis.

X gives free blue ticks to its most popular users

The site formerly known as Twitter is giving premium access to those with more than 2,500 verified followers.

Wednesday, April 3, 2024

China will have 300 million pensioners. Can it afford them?

The country is running out of time to build enough of a fund to care for its growing number of elderly.

Airports could take extra year to lift liquids ban

Major airports will not have new scanners at all security lanes by the summer, the BBC understands.

WhatsApp, Instagram and Facebook apps hit by outage

Users on Meta platforms suffer access problems as thousands report outages on Wednesday evening.

Tuesday, April 2, 2024

Katie Price low calorie diet advert banned

The social media post irresponsibly promoted a diet that fell below 800 calories a day, a watchdog says.

Nationwide's Dominic West advert banned

The advert states "unlike the big banks we're not closing our branches" which a watchdog found misleading.

Scotland proposes UK's first ban on caging laying hens

Ministers announce a new consultation on the use of cages to house hens involved in egg production.

Monday, April 1, 2024

How do I renew my UK passport and what is the 10-year rule?

UK travellers have been turned away at airports because their passports are not valid for EU travel.

Sunday, March 31, 2024

Seven bills going up and one going down in April

Many households will see their budgets stretched further - but there is some good news.

Temu U-turns on terms of cash 'giveaway' offer

The retailer changes what it can do with customer data after privacy concerns were raised.

Friday, March 29, 2024

Post-Brexit tax to hit UK car exports to Canada

A post-Brexit deal has expired with no new agreement, which leaving UK exports to Canada subject to new tariffs.

Thursday, March 28, 2024

‘I want to help people fly – and keep them safe’

Many experienced aircraft engineers are retiring and the aerospace sector is struggling to replace them.

Wednesday, March 27, 2024

What passes through Baltimore's port?

From cars to coal, the Baltimore bridge collapse will affect a variety of goods and the global economy.

Tackling deepfakes 'has turned into an arms race'

The battle against fake images, video and audio is becoming ever harder as the tech improves.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Japan nappy maker shifts from babies to adults

Since 2011, sales of adult nappies have outpaced those for infants in Japan as its population ages.

Holidaymakers caught out by 10-year-passport rule

UK passports can have up to 10 years and nine months on them but EU countries won't accept them.

European flying car technology sold to China

The Slovakian AirCar, built with a BMW engine and run on normal fuel, will now be made in China.

Monday, March 25, 2024

Elon Musk's X anti-hate group case thrown out

A US judge says Mr Musk's social media firm had sued to punish its critics.

Canada's maple syrup reserve hits 16-year low

Warm weather and rising demand have sapped up the syrup supply, but producers say not to panic.

CrossCountry upgrade will see 25% more rail seats

The long-distance train operator is introducing 12 new trains and refurbishing its current fleet.

Labour eyes floating wind farms for energy security

Sir Keir Starmer will announce a new state-owned firm with £8.3bn to invest in green energy.

Airbus confirms interest in Spirit Aerosystems

Spirit is one of Northern Ireland's largest manufacturing businesses, with more than 3,000 employees.

Sunday, March 24, 2024

Dragon Ball theme park to be built in Saudi Arabia

The announcement was met with mixed reactions from fans of the famed anime.

Security law brings Hong Kong's future as business hub into question

A tough new security law comes at a time when businesses were already wary of the city.

Avanti to pay train drivers £600 a shift for overtime

West Coast Main Line drivers to receive £600 a shift, up from £125, after company strikes deal with union.

Triple lock for pensions to be in Tory manifesto

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt says he will pay for the "expensive" pledge through economic growth.

Chancellor to be quizzed after inflation hits lowest level in over two years

Jeremy Hunt is back in the red seat after sharing the last Budget before the general election

Friday, March 22, 2024

Sick people leaving workforce at record highs

The number of people opting out of the workforce due to long term illness is at its highest since the 90s.

Faisal Islam: What's behind Rishi Sunak's surprising optimism?

Could a change in the economic weather keep the prime minister in Downing Street?

Chancellor says £100,000 not a huge salary in Surrey

Mr Hunt says an upper limit on earnings to access free childcare is an issue he "would really like to sort out".

Thursday, March 21, 2024

Why Trump may reap billions in a stock market merger

The Truth Social deal could generate an astonishing windfall for the ex-president as he fights legal fines.

‘I want to help people fly – and keep them safe’

Many experienced aircraft engineers are retiring and the aerospace sector is struggling to replace them.

GMB staff to strike over sex harassment claims

Employees claim reforms recommended by an independent lawyer-led review are yet to take place.

Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Greggs shops reopen after payment problem fixed

All of the bakery chain's stores hit by an earlier technical glitch are now trading as normal, Greggs says.

US holds interest rates steady but signals cuts ahead

Forecasts from the Federal Reserve show officials still expect cuts by the end of the year.

Production at Alstom set to stop with jobs at risk

Alstom says 3,000 jobs in Derby are at risk, adding there would be an impact on the wider supply chain.

Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Electricity upgrade plan includes miles of pylons

New undersea cables and on shore power lines including pylons could add up to £30 a year to energy bills, a new plan suggests.

Magnum-owner to cut jobs and split off ice cream

Unilever is to shed 7,500 jobs worldwide and spin off its unit which makes Ben & Jerry's and Viennetta.

Monday, March 18, 2024

Is TikTok really a danger to the West?

Calls in the US for a ban on TikTok have reignited the global debate about its cyber-security risks.

How Temu is shaking up the world of online shopping

Despite controversy China's Temu is becoming a global online shopping force.

Sunday, March 17, 2024

Uber agrees $178m payout to Australia taxi drivers

The class action was brought on behalf of more than 8,000 taxi and hire car owners and drivers.

Government told heat pump sales need massive jump

The spending watchdog says the costs remain too high and public awareness of the technology remains low.

New mortgage deals being pulled within days

Homeowners and buyers have more choice than at any time for 16 years but little time to make up their minds.

M25 reopens eight hours ahead of schedule

The unprecedented daytime closure had closed one of the country's busiest stretches of motorway.

M25 work 'on schedule' as Monday rush hour looms

The unprecedented daytime closure affects one of the country's busiest stretches of motorway.

Saturday, March 16, 2024

'My vet wanted £120 for a cream. Total rip off'

Pet owners and vets reveal their thoughts after a watchdog warns customers could be overpaying.

How much trouble is Boeing in?

The US plane giant is under pressure from regulators and airlines, and its reputation is badly damaged.

Friday, March 15, 2024

Workaholics Anonymous: 'I couldn't step away from the computer'

We speak to people addicted to work after writer James Graham reveals he has the condition.

What we know about Meghan's regal lifestyle brand

American Riviera Orchard has already amassed hundreds of thousands of online followers.

Boeing tells pilots to check seats after plane drops

It comes during an ongoing investigation into how a Latam flight suddenly dropped injuring 50 people.

Thursday, March 14, 2024

When wind turbine blades get old what's next?

As more wind farms are decommissioned ways need to be found to dispose of their tough turbine blades.

Heat pump grant rules to be relaxed

Insulation rule changes make it easier for households to qualify for £7,500 grant, government says.

China attacks 'bandit logic' of TikTok vote in US

After Congress takes a step towards banning the app over security concerns, TikTok says US jobs are at risk.

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Bus services: 'They're good if they turn up'

Bus services vary widely on punctuality and value for money, a major passenger survey suggests.

UK to ban foreign state ownership of newspapers

It follows concern about a potential takeover of the Daily Telegraph by a group backed by the United Arab Emirates.

Boeing whistleblower remembered as 'brave man'

Lawyers for John Barnett tell the BBC they "didn't see any indication he would take his own life".

Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Boeing whistleblower remembered as 'brave man'

Lawyers for John Barnett tell the BBC they "didn't see any indication he would take his own life".

Bus passengers feel 'let down' in parts of England

Bus services vary widely on punctuality and value for money, a major passenger survey suggests.

Why firms are bringing their manufacturing back home

Businesses in the West are increasing reshoring their production due to three main factors.

Monday, March 11, 2024

When wind turbine blades get old what's next?

As more wind farms are decommissioned ways need to be found to dispose of their tough turbine blades.

'Confused' TikTokers deluge US lawmakers' phones

The company "weaponised" its US users in a lobbying effort against a bill before Congress, sources say.

Boeing whistleblower found dead in US

Prior to his death, whistleblower John Barnett was testifying against Boeing over concerns about standards.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

India in $100bn trade deal with four Europe nations

The UK and India have been holding negotiations over a free trade agreement for the last two years.

Once India's most valuable start-up, Byju is now fighting to survive

The tech giant is teetering on the precipice after investors voted to out its CEO last month.

More ethnic minority bosses at top UK companies

A review of the largest companies shows there are now 12 ethnic minority CEOs at FTSE 100 firms.

Labour won't turn things around immediately, Reeves says

The shadow chancellor says she would "methodically" identify new sources of funding for her polices.

Saudi oil giant sees sharp fall in profits

Saudi Aramco is boosting its pay-out to shareholders despite a 25% fall in profits last year.

Saturday, March 9, 2024

What a $1 deal says about America's office market

The US is facing an office property "apocalypse", which is creating worries around the world.

Friday, March 8, 2024

Faisal Islam: The Budget was more radical than it looked

It lacked pre-election fireworks, but there was a radical thread that could have long-term consequences.

Thursday, March 7, 2024

'My AI twin may get me more modelling work'

As the fashion industry grapples with the rise of AI, one model has created an AI twin of herself.

Bill that could ban TikTok approved by US House panel

The proposed law would prohibit apps controlled by "foreign adversaries". TikTok has urged users to protest.

Wednesday, March 6, 2024

Doritos cuts ties with trans influencer over posts

Samantha Hudson had made references to violence and paedophilia that prompted calls for a boycott.

Ex-Google engineer charged with stealing AI secrets

Linwei Ding is also accused of secretly working for Chinese competitors.

'My AI twin may get me more modelling work'

As the fashion industry grapples with the rise of AI, one model has created an AI twin of herself.

Dharshini David: An election giveaway but taxes will still rise

My main takeaway from Wednesday's Budget is that many are still going to see their tax bills rise.

Tuesday, March 5, 2024

Concern as the gambling industry embraces AI

Campaigners worry that the gambling industry will not use AI responsibly.

US bill could force ByteDance to divest TikTok

A bipartisan group of US lawmakers wants Chinese tech firm ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban.

Facebook and Instagram restored after outages

Parent company Meta blames "technical issue" for widespread problems with services.

Monday, March 4, 2024

Shop owner 'hit by bottles' as thefts soar

Convenience stores saw 5.6 million thefts last year, a trade body says, with 76,000 violent cases reported.

Warning cost of living fund closure 'catastrophic'

Hundreds of thousands of families have had help through the government's Household Support Fund.

Catalonia's farmers demand more help over drought

As Spain continues to be blighted by a lack of rain, farmers want more government assistance.

Sunday, March 3, 2024

Nissan accused of dumping its electric car pioneers

Owners of older vehicles tell the BBC of their anger that their cars' apps will stop working.

Ex-mining towns falling further behind - charity

A BBC poll finds 73% of people in coalfield communities have seen little progress on levelling up.

Warning cost of living fund closure 'catastrophic'

Hundreds of thousands of families have had help through the government's Household Support Fund.

I will only cut taxes in responsible way - Hunt

The chancellor tells the BBC he hopes to show a path towards lower taxes in Wednesday's Budget.

Saturday, March 2, 2024

Five ways to save money on train tickets as fares rise

As rail fares rise on Sunday, we find the ways passengers can keep journeys as cheap as possible.

Friday, March 1, 2024

Rents soar in towns as tenants priced out of cities

Towns outside of big cities have seen some of the biggest rent rises as tenants choose comfort.

Nigeria orders cryptocurrency firm to pay $10bn

The government blames Binance for the recent collapse of the naira, and has arrested two executives.

Thursday, February 29, 2024

Could product passports revolutionise the way we shop?

The EU is introducing digital passports for products that detail their composition and production history.

US says falling trade with China could be positive

US Trade Representative Katherine Tai says steep drop in trade with China "isn't necessarily negative".

AI optimism sends Nasdaq to new post-Covid high

Investors expect artificial intelligence to unleash a new wave of growth.

Wednesday, February 28, 2024

Catalonia's farmers demand more help over drought

As Spain continues to be blighted by a lack of rain, farmers want more government assistance.

Family lose £165 Ryanair check-in dispute

An airline dispute resolution scheme ruled that had Damian Lloyd had checked out his family.

Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Why Google's 'woke' AI problem won't be an easy fix

The firm paused its AI image generation tool after claims it was over-correcting against the risk of being racist.

Monday, February 26, 2024

Top Disney movies boss steps down in shakeup

Sean Bailey, the boss of the media giant's live-action film studio, stepped down after 15 years.

Hunt must spell out how tax cuts would be paid for - IFS

The Institute for Fiscal Studies think tank says the case for cutting taxes is "weak".

US challenges Kroger Albertsons deal warning of higher prices

The Federal Trade Commission says combining Kroger and Albertsons would be bad for American shoppers.

Boeing review finds 'disconnect' on safety

A report ordered by the government finds "gaps in Boeing's safety journey".

Sunday, February 25, 2024

Why some cyber-attacks hit harder than others

The British Library has been hobbled for months by a cyber-attack and experts warn of similar damage ahead.

Red Sea attacks delaying goods and pushing up costs, firms say

Houthi attacks are increasing costs and causing delays, the British Chambers of Commerce says.

The staff shortage in India's special effects industry

With international studios sending more work to India, the industry is struggling to train enough staff.

Friday, February 23, 2024

AI chip firm Nvidia valued at $2tn

Booming business at Nvidia sees investors bet the AI revolution will live up to its "hype".

Thursday, February 22, 2024

The 'mind-bending' bionic arm powered by AI

BBC Click reporter Paul Carter tries out a high-tech prosthetic promising a 'full range of human motion'.

Reddit moves forward with share listing plan

The filing offers a glimpse of the company's efforts to turn online popularity into profit.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Nvidia: Chip giant posts record sales as boss sees AI 'tipping point'

The chip giant's shares have soared by more than 200% in the last year, driven by the AI boom.

Boeing 737 Max boss out after blowout

The company says leadership changes are meant to improve the quality and safety of its planes.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

HSBC: Bank's pre-tax profits soar fuelled by high interest rates

Europe's biggest bank, HSBC, has reported a jump of almost 80% in its annual profit in 2023.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos completes $8.5bn share sale plan

The firm said this month that its founder would sell up to 50 million shares over the next year.

Families' shock as cost to take pets abroad hiked

Some owners say they may have to leave their pets behind after a major travel firm raised its prices.

Woolworths: Australian grocery boss quits amid price-gouging claims

The Australian grocery chief walked out on a reporter when questioned over alleged price-gouging tactics.

Infant milk market investigated over high prices

UK competition watchdog will use legal powers to probe why formula prices are "historically high".

Monday, February 19, 2024

Gloucestershire vertical farm is one of UK's 'most advanced'

Salad crops are grown indoors under lights three times faster than in traditional agriculture.

Japan's discount store pioneer Hirotake Yano dies

The billionaire owner of the so-called 100 yen store passed away at the age of 80, the firm says.

Cameron government knew Post Office ditched Horizon IT investigation

Documents show the secret investigation may have helped wrongly accused postmasters prove their innocence.

Stats watchdog criticises Treasury tax cut claims

Two Treasury ministers, Laura Trott and Bim Afolami, have been criticised over recent claims on tax cuts.

New controls on holiday lets to be introduced

From the summer, planning permission may be needed to turn homes into new short-term lets.

Currys takeover battle looms as JD.com eyes bid

The Chinese e-commerce firm joins US investor Elliot as a possible bidder for the UK retail group.

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Lunar New Year: China tourism spending tops pre-Covid levels

The figures mark some rare good news for the world's second-largest economy.

Post Office not asked to stall payouts, says government

Claims by the former Post Office chairman that compensation was delayed to help the government are denied.

Donald Trump launches own-brand shoes after $355m fraud fine

The ex-president promoted gold-coloured shoes priced at $399 at a sneaker convention in Philadelphia.

Friday, February 16, 2024

Post Office scandal: £10k pay-out 'cruel', says bankrupt victim

"I now have no career, no money, no pension, no nothing... they took that all away," Tony Downey tells the BBC.

Tata Steel workers to vote on strikes amid job peril

Unions say they are "prepared to fight" in response to job losses at Tata Steel sites.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

What are UK interest rates and when will they fall?

Bank of England interest rates affect the mortgage, loan and savings rates for millions of people.

The brewing secrets behind tastier no-alcohol beer

There's huge demand for low and no-alcohol beer and breweries are competing for the best flavour.

Xbox, Nintendo or PlayStation: does it still matter?

Why the war between the big games console makers may be coming to an end.

Facebook £3bn legal action given go-ahead in London

A mass legal action alleges Facebook abused its dominance to monetise 45 million UK users' personal data.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

What is GDP and how is it measured?

A basic guide to how the health of the economy is measured, and why that calculation matters.

Offenders confused about ethics of AI child sex abuse

A charity warns that creating or viewing such images is still illegal, even if the children are not real.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

Bali: Foreign tourists to pay $10 entry tax from Valentine's Day

Bali is one of the world's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions each year.

Abuse and attacks on UK shop workers rises to 1,300 incidents a day

Violence against retail staff spiked to 1,300 incidents a day, says the British Retail Consortium.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos sells shares worth over $4bn

The multi-billionaire moved to Miami last year, where there is no tax on share sales above $250,000.

Pay growth slows but still outpaces rising prices

Pay, excluding bonuses, grew by 6.2% in the last three months of 2023 compared with the year before.

Monday, February 12, 2024

AI: UK chip designer Arm sees shares almost double

The firm's shares have soared since its earnings announcement last week and are now up more than 98%.

Squishmallows has launched a legal fight against Build-A-Bear

The firm behind the Squishmallows cuddly characters has kicked off a courtroom copyright fight.

Paytm: Rockstar Indian fintech start-up faces serious crisis

Paytm - India's famous payments app - is facing a regulatory crackdown that's impacting millions.

Northern Ireland companies report surge in confidence

Manufacturing, services and retail reported an increase in business activity in January.

Sunday, February 11, 2024

Horizon scandal: Five short-changed postmasters to get full compensation

A u-turn means Teju Adedayo and four others can now claim full Horizon scandal compensation.

Water company bosses could see bonuses stopped over sewage spills

Breaches of environmental rules should cost bosses their bonuses, the environment secretary says.

Uber makes changes to Super Bowl ad after backlash

The firm has edited its advert that was criticised for making light of food allergies.

Ex-minister: I wish I asked more questions about Post Office

Labour's Pat McFadden admits MPs' concerns about the Horizon scandal were raised when he was a minister.

The Body Shop set to appoint administrators in UK

The retailer is expected to undergo a major restructure, leading to shop closures and job losses.

Fujitsu bosses paid £26m during Horizon contract

Accounts show former execs made millions while sub-postmasters were chased for thousands.

Friday, February 9, 2024

Ex-Fujitsu boss 'shocked' by Post Office's actions

Roger Gilbert says he believed the Post Office was acting "honestly and competently" in prosecutions.

Why the e-bike boom is raising fire fears

Sales of electric bikes are booming but defective batteries and chargers can cause fires.

Nationwide's Dominic West advert reported by Santander to watchdog

Santander is understood to have made the complaint, which argues the ad discredits other banks.

Tesco Bank to be bought by Barclays in £700m deal

Some 2,800 Tesco staff will transfer to the bank which is taking over credit cards and savings accounts.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Chocolate: Cocoa price hits record high as El NiƱo hurts crops

The cost of the key ingredient for making chocolate has roughly doubled since the start of last year.

TikTok and Temu pull cheap heaters after testing revealed fire risk

It comes after consumer group Which? said most of the devices they tested posed a 'serious safety risk' to users.

Yodel 'exploring options' amid speculation over future

Reports suggest the courier firm, which employs about 10,000 people, could fall into administration.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Disney: Chief executive Bob Iger bets on Fortnite and Taylor Swift

The announcement comes a day after the firm said it will launch a sports streaming service with Fox and Warner.

Source oil and gas locally, urges Equinor energy boss

Countries should be prioritising energy security and sourcing locally, says the head of Norway's Equinor.

Labour ditches £28bn green investment pledge

A U-turn on the policy is set to be announced on Thursday, following confusion over the party's position.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Scandal-hit business group will survive, says new boss

New CBI boss Rupert Soames says he's committed to restoring its reputation, after sexual assault allegations hit the business group last year.

Actress Gina Carano sues Disney and Lucasfilm with Elon Musk's help

The actress was fired in 2021 for comparing being a Republican to being a Jew during the Holocaust.

Boeing: Bolts missing from door, says blowout report

A door that blew away from a Boeing 737 Max may not have been properly secured, a new report says.

Monday, February 5, 2024

Owner of 'Russia's Google' pulls out of home country

The firm has previously been accused of hiding information about the Ukraine war from the Russian public.

Final scheduled cost-of-living payment being paid

The £299 payment is being paid automatically to eight million people on low incomes and receiving benefits.

McDonald's sales dented by Israel-Gaza boycotts

The chain said its fourth quarter sales failed to meet its target for the first time in four years.

Arrival: Electric van maker's UK arm enters administration

The UK-based operations of Arrival - once worth billions - have been placed in administration.

Sunday, February 4, 2024

Parisians vote for rise in parking fees for SUVs

The vote was called by mayor Anne Hidalgo, who says SUVs are dangerous and bad for the environment.

Should more British homes be built using straw?

Cheap, highly insulating and sustainable, straw has a lot of potential for the building industry.

Does Germany’s economy need more than a cup of coffee?

Germany's growth is being held back by the twin shocks of expensive energy and higher interest rates.

Facebook at 20: Four ways the app changed the world

How the world's most popular social network has altered society, business and politics

Friday, February 2, 2024

Our Range Rovers are not UK's most-stolen car, says Jaguar Land Rover

The boss of Jaguar Land Rover hits out at what he says is inaccurate reporting about the Range Rover.

Bereaved partners face deadline for claiming financial support for children

Thousands of cohabiting parents whose partners have died have days left to apply for bereavement support.

Thursday, February 1, 2024

AI will not be the destroyer of jobs - Bank chief

Bank of England governor says AI has "great potential" as Lords report urges UK to embrace AI.

Water bills to rise above inflation in April

Water companies in England and Wales expect an increase of 6%, with an 8.8% rise in Scotland.

TikTok pulls Taylor Swift and The Weeknd's music

It comes after a licensing rights row between the platform and the artists' record label, Universal.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Spotify's content filter fails to block explicit lyrics in dozens of hits

Fans are shown swear words and racial slurs in dozens of songs even when explicit content is blocked.

Jeremy Hunt: Less scope for tax cuts in Budget

The chancellor says he wants to "lighten the tax burden" but this has to be done in a "responsible" way.

eBay to pay $59m settlement over sales of pill-making tools

The government accused eBay of making it too easy to buy equipment for producing counterfeit pills.

Fed holds interest rates at a 23-year high

The bank says it wants "greater confidence" about inflation cooling before it starts cutting rates.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

Elon Musk: $56bn Tesla compensation package voided by court

The lawsuit was filed by a shareholder who argued that it was an inappropriate overpayment.

Microsoft says AI is getting deployed 'at scale'

The tech giant's AI success has caused shares to surge, after its market value passed $3tn.

Sky to cut 1,000 jobs in move towards digital

The firm will cut 4% of its workforce, mainly from its engineering arm, as fewer people use satellites.

Warning cost of car insurance to rise this year

The Financial Conduct Authority says it was "monitoring" the sharp rise in insurance premiums.

Monday, January 29, 2024

Toyota warns 50,000 US vehicle owners to stop driving

The motor industry giant has warned that Takata air bag inflators could explode and kill people.

US weapons sales abroad hit record high in 2023, boosted by Ukraine war

Sales negotiated by the US government spiked 56%, as Russia's invasion of Ukraine stoked demand.

Phone and broadband users face 'unfair' price hikes says Which?

The consumer group says phone and broadband providers should abandon "grossly unfair" plans to raise prices this spring.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

Evergrande: Hong Kong judge orders property giant's liquidation

A liquidation order may have little impact in mainland China where most of Evergrande's assets are held.

China's Xi tightens stock market rules after sell-off

Nearly $6tn has been wiped off Chinese and Hong Kong stocks since their most recent peak three years ago.

Car insurance: Young drivers risk fraud to save on costs

Insurance industry says young drivers could be tempted to break the law as insurance gets more expensive.

Disposable vapes to be banned for children's health, government says

Rishi Sunak announces the plan saying "we must act" to tackle a rise in vaping among children.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Beauty giant Avon under fire over Russia links

The firm is facing criticism for continuing production and recruiting new sales agents in Russia.

Would it bother you if you only got mail three days a week?

Ofcom has proposed Royal Mail could cut the days it delivers letters to three as part of reforms.

Cuddly toy sellers chase an unlikely audience: 'Kidults'

Toy and games sales fell last year as family finances were stretched but one group is bucking the trend.

Post Office chairman Henry Staunton steps down

The government says the decision was made with mutual consent - but the Post Office says he was asked to go.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Former Fujitsu UK CEO quits government role

Michael Keegan, who is married to Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, resigns from the Cabinet Office.

Train strikes: When and where are the next walkouts?

Members of the Aslef train drivers' union are taking more action in its long-running dispute over pay.

Government announces second probe of Telegraph sale

The investigation comes after the UAE-backed bidder made last minute changes.

UK-Canada trade rift: What it means for cheese, beef and cars

A pause in talks could mean tougher trading terms for the UK - but what will the impact be on consumers?

Thursday, January 25, 2024

GM-owned Cruise admits failures in driverless car accident

Federal prosecutors are investigating its driverless car unit, Cruise.

Alaska Airlines warns of £118m Boeing blowout cost

The troubles at Boeing are spilling over to the rest of the industry.

Wednesday, January 24, 2024

Hinted tax cuts will be difficult in weak economy - IFS

Promises of tax cuts during election campaigns may have to be rolled back amid economic issues, a new report warns.

Boeing 737 Max 9 cleared to fly after mid-air incident

The planes were grounded after an incident during an Alaska Airlines flight on 5 January.

Tesla warns of "notably lower" sales growth in 2024

It is the latest car company to forecast sagging demand for electric cars.

HS2: Mayors to meet minister about alternatives

West Midlands mayor Andy Street said the plan could involve a dedicated line between the cities.

Tuesday, January 23, 2024

Santander ups mortgage rates despite fierce competition

The bank's small increase comes as other major lenders are cutting rates amid fierce competition.

Morrisons scraps four-day working week for Bradford head office staff

Staff at the company's Bradford head office will work an extra half-day per week after the changes.

Hinkley C nuclear plant costs could soar to £46bn

EDF says final costs could soar by about a third as it faces a delayed completion date.

Monday, January 22, 2024

United Airlines to lose money over Boeing groundings

United Airlines is the biggest operator of Boeing 737 Max 9 airplanes.

Two million could see energy cut off this winter, charity warns

New research from Citizens Advice suggests many will not be able to top up their prepayment meters.

Bailiff referrals rise by 20% over council debts

A BBC investigation finds Birmingham council tops list with 500% increase between 2022 and 2023.

MrBeast reveals he made $250,000 from X video

The world's most popular YouTuber had previously said he would not bother posting videos on the site.

Sunday, January 21, 2024

Boeing 737-900ER: Second model to be inspected after 737 Max 9 blowout

The US regulator says the 737-900ER fleet uses the same door design as the grounded 737 Max 9s.

ExxonMobil sues investors to block climate petition

Follow This and Arjuna Capital have called on Exxon to accelerate reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

Airports to miss deadline for installing scanners

Some will not have all the tech, which will end the 100ml limit on liquids, ready by 1 June.

Start-ups frustrated by HMRC's 'slowness and lack of communication'

Delays and a lack of communication from the tax authority are holding back new businesses, a group says.

I'm working but homeless and bottom of the housing list

A working father finds himself "sofa surfing" amid social housing shortages in Scotland's biggest city.

Tesco tech hitch leaves deliveries in 'shambles'

It is thought thousands of customers were left without their orders due to technical problems.

Supermarket favourites victims of shrinkflation, consumer group Which? says

From tea bags to crisps, supermarket staples are getting smaller, consumer group Which? says.

Saturday, January 20, 2024

Red Sea 'scary' for ships' crews, says captain

The captain of a vessel in the Red Sea shares his concerns about the Houthi attacks on shipping.

Friday, January 19, 2024

Fujitsu: MPs seek details on public sector contracts with IT firm

Committee looks to uncover how much money was handed out after Post Office scandal was uncovered.

US stocks surge to record high as market rebounds

Investors have been cheered by hopes that the US central bank's campaign of raising interest rates is over.

Sports Illustrated in further turmoil after AI scandal

The future of the storied sports journalism title is in doubt after its publisher has its licence revoked.

Thursday, January 18, 2024

Chancellor Jeremy Hunt hints at further tax cuts

Jeremy Hunt tells the BBC that tax cuts would help the economy be more dynamic and grow faster.

Energy standing charges review prompts huge response

Ofgem said 20,000 people had been in touch about the daily fees before consultation closes later on Friday.

Tata Steel: Port Talbot blast furnaces to close with 3,000 expected job losses

Plans to cut jobs in a move to greener steelmaking a "crushing blow" for Port Talbot, unions say.

Post Office scandal: 91-year-old victim 'disgusted' with compensation delay

Ninety-one-year-old Betty Brown says she had to give up her business as she was caring for her ill husband.

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Sheryl Sandberg to step down from Meta board

The ex-COO of Facebook is credited with turning the company into a profit powerhouse.

Unseen images of code breaking computer that helped win WW2

Intelligence agency GCHQ say pictures of Colossus a reminder of the UK ingenuity that helped defeat Hitler.

Octopus Energy: Bills will fall in April, says boss

The energy company says prices will fall due to lower international wholesale prices.

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

FBI investigate after ex-Abercrombie boss sex claims

Special agents are now interviewing and issuing subpoenas to potential witnesses, the BBC understands.

Diddy and drinks giant Diageo settle dispute over tequila

A joint statement on Tuesday confirmed Diddy had withdrawn all of his allegations against Diageo.

Ben & Jerry's board calls for Israel ceasefire

The ice cream maker says its statement was consistent with the brand's promotion of peace.

LNER: Train fares simplified in bid to boost passenger numbers

LNER is simplifying train tickets on the East Coast Main Line in a two-year trial from 5 February.

Wage growth slows again as job market stalls

Pay growth in the three months to November eased to 6.6% on average, but is still higher than inflation.

Monday, January 15, 2024

UK's largest nightclub owner calls in administrators

Pryzm-owner Rekom is struggling because of higher energy prices and cost-of-living pressures on clubbers.

Man charged over plot to disrupt London Stock Exchange

Activists had been planning to "lock on" to the building to stop it from opening, police said.

Pothole reports hit a five-year high in 2023

Climate change will worsen potholes but scientists hope new technology will help make them a thing of the past.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

AI to hit 40% of jobs and worsen inequality, IMF says

Policymakers should address the "troubling trend", says the organisation's managing director Kristalina Georgieva.

Six held over plot to disrupt London Stock Exchange

Police said the arrests were made in London, Liverpool and Brighton over a "disruptive and damaging stunt".

What are cold weather payments and how much are they worth?

Cold weather payments are available to some people after seven days of below-zero temperatures.

Saturday, January 13, 2024

'I had £3,000 stolen via WhatsApp job scam message'

There's been a huge rise in the amount of money being stolen via recruitment scam text and WhatsApp messages.

Boeing's commitment to safety in the spotlight

After a door plug blew off one of its planes, questions are being asked about how seriously Boeing undertakes safety.

Fujitsu Japan remains tight-lipped on the Post Office scandal

In Fujitsu's home market, hardly anyone had heard of the Horizon scandal until this week.

Friday, January 12, 2024

Post Office may face £100m tax bill over victim payouts - experts

It may have underpaid more than £100m in tax while overpaying its senior executives, according to experts.

US Supreme Court will hear Starbucks labour fight

The case has implications for what kind of relief workers can hope for in labour disputes.

Thursday, January 11, 2024

Taiwan election: It's not war young voters worry about - it's jobs

With high home prices and stagnant wages, young voters care more about the economy than Beijing's threats.

HelloFresh fined over millions of spam texts and emails

The food delivery firm sent 79 million emails and a million texts during a seven-month campaign.

Oil prices rise after Iran seizes oil tanker

The incident raises prospects of growing conflict in the Middle East, which could impact UK fuel prices.

Wednesday, January 10, 2024

Pornography review to canvas public's view on issue

Porn stars, parents and the public are invited to answer questions to help advise government.

Amazon slashes jobs at Twitch, MGM and Prime Video

The tech giant says a new round of job losses is needed to make its business more sustainable.

Bitcoin: Crypto fans can now invest in exchange-traded funds - but what are they?

Long-awaited approval from US financial authorities means cryptocurrency fans have a new way to trade.

Software firm SAP to pay $220m over bribery charges

SAP is one of the world's largest software firms and was investigated over activity in seven countries.

Tuesday, January 9, 2024

Baby formula price cut helps new parents

Food and drink giant Danone will cut the price of its baby formula range sold to UK retailers.

Boeing admits mistake over plane door blow-out

Boeing's boss Dave Calhoun vows to find the cause of the incident on the Alaska Airlines flight.

Where will all the electric cars be charged?

Lampposts and mobile charging machines are being touted as the answer to charging electric cars.

Fujitsu will be held accountable over Post Office scandal, says government

The firm behind the Horizon software is facing growing calls over its role in the Post Office scandal.

Monday, January 8, 2024

Ministers seeking to speed up Post Office appeals

The government says its plans for victims of the Horizon IT scandal will be published "shortly".

Boeing 737 Max 9: United Airlines finds loose bolts during inspections

The airline finds installation issues, including bolts in need of "tightening", during checks of Boeing planes.

Alaskan Airlines flight 1282: Key questions behind door plug blowout

Many questions remain after a 737 Max Boeing plane suffered a mid-air blowout in the US.

Barclays bank cut 5,000 jobs in cost-saving drive

The reduction is much higher than previously reported and a quarter of the cuts will take place in the UK.

Sunday, January 7, 2024

Boeing 737 Max 9: Jets to stay grounded as inspections continue

The US aviation regulator says 171 Boeing planes will remain grounded until it is satisfied they are safe.

Post Office scandal: What the Horizon saga is all about

The background to the cases of sub-postmasters whose convictions were based on evidence from faulty IT.

Boeing's mid-flight blowout a big problem for company

The Alaska Airlines incident could have been much worse, but is still a major issue for the US plane-maker.

Post Office scandal: Rishi Sunak considers measures to clear all victims

The justice secretary is looking into steps to help hundreds of wrongly convicted sub-postmasters.

Flights cancelled as regulator grounds Boeing 737 Max 9s over blowout

The US aviation regulator grounds 737 Max 9s to conduct urgent checks after the incident in Oregon.

Saturday, January 6, 2024

FAA grounds 171 Boeing planes after mid-air blowout on Alaska Airlines jet

It comes after part of the fuselage of an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9 fell off, forcing an emergency landing.

Alaska Airlines plane lands in Portland after losing window

An investigation is under way into what caused the incident on the plane carrying 177 people in Oregon.

Friday, January 5, 2024

Japan earthquake: The tiny firm that alerts millions about disasters

Influenced by a post apocalyptic show, NERV - with just 13 employees - is relied on by millions.

Post Office scandal: Met Police investigate 'potential fraud offences'

It comes as 50 new potential victims of the scandal have contacted lawyers after the airing of a related TV drama.

Thursday, January 4, 2024

Spice Girls to feature on commemorative set of stamps for 30th anniversary

It is the first time Royal Mail has dedicated an entire stamp issue to a female pop group.

McDonald's hit by Israel-Gaza 'misinformation'

It is a striking acknowledgment of the impact from the conflict on the burger giant.

Tube and train strikes: When are the January walkouts on the London Underground?

There will be "little to no Tube service" on the London Underground, Transport for London warns.

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

SpaceX accused of unlawfully firing staff critical of Elon Musk

A US labour agency says the employees sent an open letter to SpaceX executives, detailing workplace concerns.

FTSE 100 bosses 'earn UK average salary by lunch', says think tank

Bosses of the biggest companies will earn more than the typical worker in the first few days 2024.

A restless Gen Z is reshaping the Chinese Dream

Millions of young Chinese face an uncertain future in the world's second-largest economy.

Tuesday, January 2, 2024

Gautam Adani: India court declines new inquiry against billionaire

A US research firm has accused Gautam Adani's company of financial fraud, which it denies.

Red Sea attacks could push up prices, UK firms warn

Business leaders say attacks on shipping vessels could cause delays and price rises for UK shoppers.

Depop, Vinted and other apps to share data with tax body

New rules mean online retail platforms including Airbnb and eBay will share more information with HMRC.

Monday, January 1, 2024

China’s BYD closer to taking Tesla's electric car top spot

Elon Musk's Tesla is due to release quarterly production and delivery figures on Tuesday.

Cambridge University trademarks spark rows with firms

Firms are spending thousands registering trademarks after University of Cambridge opposition.

Will hotter heat pumps win over homeowners?

Could a new generation of heat pumps overcome British fears that they can't heat a home.

Period pants could get cheaper after VAT is removed

Shoppers will no longer pay VAT on period pants following a campaign by charities and retailers.

Disney's earliest Mickey and Minnie Mouse enter public domain as US copyright expires

Disney's copyright on the earliest version of the cartoon characters expires in the US on 1 January.